The campaign aimed at establishing a constructive communication among various stakeholders including children and parents

Bhalaghat district/ Madhya Pradesh: This summer, nearly 5000 children in Baihar block utilised their vacation for participating in a massive rally to create awareness among the communities in 73 villages located in the buffer zone of Kanha forest on the importance of environment conservation and preserving ecological balance.

To establish a constructive communication among various stake holders including parents, children, government, panchayat raj members in enhancing the quality education of the children in Kanha buffer zone, Aide et Action South Asia, an international NGO in support with Wild Life Conservation Trust, Sir Dorabji Tata trust through its Ecological Ensuring Quality Education with Ecological Sensitization project team held “Shiksha Samvaad Yatra”, a eleven day rally advocating the cause of conservation of forests and ecological education from May 21.

“During the eleven day yatra, the project team along with volunteers in the region ventured to 73 project villages of Baihar block of Bhalaghat district and reached out to 78 primary schools from Gadi, Barasao and Jaddpuri Jan Siksha Kendra”, said Mr Pravin, Regional Officer, Aide et Action.

Six teams comprising of volunteers and AEA team visited villages and organized several activities including local theatre activities, awareness songs, raise slogans, cultural programs and several activities with children, he said.

“Involving each and every member of the community will result in a society that understands the importance of education and encourages children to participate effectively in school activities leading to upliftment of communities”, said Rajnish Singh, Assistant Director of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Incorporating environmental issues and creating awareness about forest and wild life among people will save these beautiful natural resources for future generations, he added.

The interaction with the community led to the discovery of several issues that were troubling the villagers and are often ignored in general.

Alcoholism, lack of interest and encouragement from parents, social issues including child marriage, gender discrimination, poverty and superstitions were cited as main problems of community which is hampering the education of children in families of Lapti, Mana, Hirapur, Kadla, Navalpur and Balgaon villages.

Casteism was affecting the anganwadi workers in Chaitutola region. The tribal people don’t want Anganwadi and helpers to be in charge of the center because they belong to OBC quota. As a result, they don’t cooperate with the anganwadi workers and demand a person from their tribe to hold the position in the center.

One of the teams visited Ghuitola which is dominated by Baiga tribe and one of the extinguishing tribes. Team interacted with the tribals and found that they repent for having been illiterate but they want their children to educated and become good citizens. Hence, they are very supportive regarding education but pity that Govt. is not paying much attention to their interest and providing facilities like teachers and Anganwadi building for them.

Amoga Laxmi Sukka is a Communication Officer with Aide et Action South Asia, a non-profit.